Bound

It is interesting how change in social mores can alter perception of films that were few decades ago likely to be called insulting, shocking and titillating. Nowadays previously “saucy” content is accepted as banal part of real life and based on solely on those details, films don’t look like anything special. On the other hand, this could also help the film, allowing audience to focus their attention strictly on story and characters and recognise very good film. One of those films to benefit from this phenomenon is Bound, 1996 crime thriller directed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski (in time when they were signed as “Larry and Andy Wachowski").

Protagonist, played by Gina Gershon, is Corky, ex convict who has just returned from five years in prison. She gets job as painter and plumber and, while working in one apartment, meets unusual couple of neighbours. At first glance, Violet (played by Jennifer Tilly) looks like trophy girlfriend of Caesar (played by Joe Pantoliano), who is later revealed to be money launderer for Mafia. While Caesar is away, Violet uses dropped earring in sink as an excuse to invite Corky over and two women quickly discover that they are lesbians. Violet begins passionate secret affair with Corky and tells her that she is increasingly unhappy with having to live with Caesar. When Caesar bring 2 million US$ of previously embezzled Mafia money in order to picked up by his bosses, Violet sees it as an opportunity to take it and run. However, she can’t do it alone and recruits Corky who, as convicted thief, would be more of an expert in those matters. Corky is reluctant at first, partly because of big risk and partly because she isn’t sure whether to trust Violet or not.

Bound was produced by famed Italian producer Dino De Laurentiis, but with relatively little budget and, at first glance, with its combination of sex, violence, dark humour and plot about criminal scheme going terribly wrong looked like little exploitation film very much like those inspired by Tarantino’s work. What made it different were Wachovskis, for whom it was a feature directorial debut. Instead of Tarantino, they took inspiration from classic film noir and also used opportunity to prove themselves by superbly handling their limited resources. Although almost entire plot is set in two apartments, Bound is very exciting film, with plot full of twists some of which would be unexpected even for more experienced viewers. Wachovskis, who at first toyed with the idea of making film in black and white, employ good cinematography by Bill Pope based on dark tones, while Don Davis provides more than adequate music score accompanied with couple of pop songs with lyrics that give ironic commentary to what is going on with characters. Wachovskis use good, suggestive but inconspicuous editing and carefully play with various details within each shot. Their skill is quite evident in what is the most talked about scene – the one in which Corky and Violet are having sex. The scene, in which both Gina Gershon and Jennifer Tilly refused to use body doubles and which created problems with MPAA censors, is one of the steamiest and most effective scenes of such nature in 1990s Hollywood. Wachovskis also tried hard to make it authentic, using lesbian activist and sex educator Susie Bright (who briefly appears in the role of lesbian bar patron) as technical advisor.

While the idea of making film noir with lesbian protagonists might have looked shocking or revolutionary in 1980s or even early 1990s, by the time Bound reached cinemas, same-sex relationships were becoming to be accepted as part of mainstream in most Western societies. Most of the audience who wanted to see Bound, and even those (mostly men) who were attracted by lesbian content, soon appreciated it as a regular thriller made with great deal of talent and skill. Much of the credit for that should go to the cast, especially two actresses who handled their potentially risky roles. Gina Gershon is excellent in the role of street smart blue collar criminal and brilliantly redeems herself for participating in Showgirls disaster one year earlier. Jennifer Tilly is also wonderful in the role of woman pretending to be a ditzy bimbo. But the most impressive work comes from Joe Pantoliano, character actor who introduces Caesar in the beginning as petty mafia underling and spineless coward, only to later reveal him to be dangerous and intelligent character. Pantoliano is especially effective near the end when the utter unpredictability of Caesar creates tension. It isn’t surprising that Wachowskis chose Pantoliano as part of the cast in The Matrix, their next and best known film. Even actors appearing in small roles do good job, like John P. Ryan for whom the role of mobster was last role in career. Although the actual ending could have been handled a little bit smoother, Bound is very good film that tells why Wachovskis were destined for big things in the future.

RATING: 8/10 (+++)

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